Next week marks the start of the 82nd edition of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour. Decathlon – an innovative sports equipment manufacturer for both beginners and professionals – will serve as the Official Sports Partner of the race. “Tour de Pologne is a celebration of cycling – emotions, rivalry, and passion that unite professionals and amateurs. This closeness to people who love sport is what matters most to Decathlon” says Sebastian Kolenda – Commercial Director Road Cycling at Decathlon.
Lang Team continues its cooperation with the globally recognized Decathlon brand, which has been producing sports equipment for all skill levels – from amateurs to professionals – since 1976. The partnership is built on shared values: promoting an active lifestyle and cycling.
“For us, it’s more than just a race. Tour de Pologne is a celebration of cycling – emotions, rivalry, and passion that bring professionals and amateurs together. And it’s that closeness to people who love sport that’s most important to Decathlon. As a sports brand that has long supported cycling fans – from kids on their first bikes to elite athletes – we want to be where the heart of the cycling community beats. Our presence at the Tour de Pologne is a natural step – we support sport, promote activity, and connect with those for whom cycling is a way of life” adds Sebastian Kolenda, Commercial Director Road Cycling at Decathlon.
During this year’s edition of the 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, Decathlon will again be the Title Sponsor of the Team Classification, which will reward the best and most cohesive squad of the race. This is a natural reflection of the brand’s values and customer-first philosophy. It’s worth noting that Decathlon is also the title sponsor of the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team – a UCI WorldTour-licensed outfit that will compete in this year’s Tour de Pologne.
“The Decathlon Team Classification perfectly reflects our approach to sport and the role Decathlon plays in our customers’ lives. Cycling may be an individual discipline, but victories are earned together – just like the way our brand operates. By sponsoring this classification, we want to highlight the value of teamwork and striving towards a common goal. For us, it’s symbolic – we’re a partner, not just a seller of equipment, but a true gregario (domestique) for every ambitious cyclist” emphasizes Sebastian Kolenda. Additionally, Decathlon Special Primes will be placed along Stage 2 and Stage 5.
“I’m very happy we can rely on a partner like Decathlon. It’s a global brand engaged in promoting sport and cycling – one of the core missions of the Tour de Pologne. Riders will compete for victory in the Decathlon Team Classification, Decathlon Special Primes, and the brand will also support the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs” says Czesław Lang, General Director of the Tour de Pologne.
Decathlon is committed to supporting both professionals and amateur athletes. The brand will also be present at the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs – Ryszard Szurkowski Memorial, which will take place on August 9 on a route from BUKOVINA Resort to Rusin-Ski. Amateur cyclists will battle for the Decathlon King of the Mountain prize located on the steep slopes of the legendary BUKOVINA Wall.
Participants of the race will also have access to Decathlon’s bike service zone – an initiative that ties into the brand’s new campaign slogan. The campaign’s ambassador is Polish cyclist Paweł Poljański, who served as a domestique for top teams like Tinkoff and BORA-hansgrohe.
“Decathlon – Your Gregario” is a metaphor borrowed from the professional peloton. A gregario is someone who sacrifices for the good of the leader – shielding from the wind, passing bottles, setting the pace. In this campaign, we bring that role into the Decathlon-Customer relationship. Through high-quality Van Rysel bikes, apparel, accessories, servicing, expert knowledge, and the dedication of our employees, we support amateur cyclists at every stage of their journey. Paweł Poljański, who for years was a gregario to the world’s top cyclists in the biggest races, symbolizes this idea and truly embodies the spirit of our brand” says Sebastian Kolenda.
The 82nd Tour de Pologne will take place from August 4-10. The race will be broadcast on TVP, Eurosport, and streaming platform HBO MAX, reaching fans in 65 countries worldwide.